TN's Tidbits: Carnell explains the process

By editor

Created 11/17/2010 - 01:37

I did a story yesterday talking about how playoff-bound football teams like Woonsocket and Tolman have two games to prepare for right now -- the holiday tilt and then the Nov. 30 D-II semifinals five days later.

Woonsocket coach Carnell Henderson explained to me how his coaching staff will approach the problem. They will prepare the players for the holiday game against Cumberland. The coaching staff will work overtime, looking at films of playoff foe Chariho while also getting ready for Cumberland.

"We'll be taking it one game at a time, just like we always do," Henderson said. "The team will get ready for Cumberland. We want to give them the respect they deserve. This game is just another chance for us to get better as a team."

Henderson said the D-II playoff quarterfinal scores were interesting.
"Westerly (a 6-0 loser to Tolman) has played in our division the last few years. They are always big and physical. Their coaching staff knows the tendencies of Tolman. That's how you end up with a 6-0 game."

Henderson was as surprised as anyone by the 56-50 SRA-Johnston score.
"Just amazing," he said. "That's not the kind of game you expect to see in the playoffs. Saint Ray's has just gotten better and better every week. They are going to be a tough out in the playoffs."

Henderson did admit that his team's playoff opponent -- Chariho -- is a "big and physical football team." And that's about all he's saying for now.